Woman killed and man injuredin crash at A66 blackspot

Date: Friday 17th August 2018

Ann Cople

THE family of a woman who died in a crash on the A66 have paid tribute to the police officer who gave her “some dignity in her final moments”.

Ann Copley, aged 76, of Montgomery Court, Carlisle, died following a collision involving her Citroen C3 car and a Renault Master van. It occurred just before 12-15pm on Tuesday at a notorious accident blackspot near the Llama Karma Kafe, Brougham.

The van, a Renault Master, overturned following the crash and the two occupants were trapped inside. Firefighters used cutting equipment to release them.

Police, ambulance service, firefighters, the Great North Air Ambulance Service and two Penrith BEEP Fund doctors were all called to the scene.

The 76-year-old driver of the van, a man from Ipswich, suffered serious injuries and was taken to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, by the Great North air ambulance. His condition on Thursday was described as stable.

Mrs Copley’s family said: “Ann was a much loved mum of Penny, Vicky and Amanda. She adored her grandchildren Connor, Caleb, Colby and her mini me Honey.”

They added that Ann, who was widowed 12 years, was full of joy and very active in looking after her grandchildren. “She joined us all when we went out on a regular basis, most recently to York and Carlisle races,” said the family.

“Her loss is unbearable and our hearts are broken.The family are devastated and want anyone who witnessed the accident to come forward if you haven’t already.

“Also we would like to thank everyone involved from the first person on the scene through to the emergency services and PC Tom Davies for giving mum some dignity in her final moments.”

Following the accident, the A66 was closed in both directions between Kemplay roundabout at Penrith and Temple Sowerby until about 6pm as investigations into the cause of the crash got under way.

Drivers reported delays on rural roads between Penrith and Appleby and on the A6 as traffic was diverted away from the scene. Westbound traffic was queuing past Whinfell.

An appeal has been made for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from around the time of the collision to come forward. Contact Cumbria police on the 101 non-emergency number with information.